OUAT Scholars' Protest Intensifies Over Financial Disparity
For the second consecutive day on Tuesday, postgraduate and doctoral students at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar persisted with their hunger strike. The core of their protest is a long-standing demand for the institution of a uniform monthly stipend for all scholars engaged in advanced agricultural studies.
Appeal to the Chief Minister and the Core Demand
The protesting scholars have formally submitted a letter to the newly appointed Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking an appointment to discuss their grievance in detail. Their primary demand is for the state government to establish a structured stipend scheme for all postgraduate and doctoral researchers at OUAT.
Currently, a significant disparity exists where only students pursuing a Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) receive a monthly stipend. Scholars from other faculties within the university, who are involved in equally demanding academic coursework and rigorous research activities, are excluded from this financial support. This exclusion has led to considerable financial hardship for many, affecting their ability to focus fully on their studies.
National Precedent and the Call for Equity
The students highlighted in their appeal that several other agricultural universities across India have already implemented comprehensive stipend schemes for their PG and doctoral candidates. They argued that introducing a similar provision in Odisha would not only ensure equity but also significantly bolster the research ecosystem at OUAT.
By attracting and retaining talented researchers through financial stability, the university's output and standing in the field of agricultural sciences could be greatly enhanced. The hunger strike underscores the urgency felt by the student community, who are calling for immediate government intervention to resolve this issue of academic and financial parity.
